Biodynamics is a holistic, ecological and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food and nutrition.

The Biodynamic Association awakens and enlivens co-creative relationships between humans and the earth, transforming the practice and culture of agriculture to renew the vitality of the earth, the integrity of our food, and the health and wholeness of our communities.

The North American Biodynamic Apprenticeship Program (NABDAP) is a two-year beginning farmer training program, helping the next generation of farmers develop the skills and knowledge they need to build successful organic and biodynamic farms.

Biodynamics has a long history (since 1941) as one of the preeminent publications on biodynamic farming and gardening in the world. A benefit of membership in the Biodynamic Association, each issue provides a thoughtful collection of articles centered on a theme such as animals, farming for health, composting, or pollinators.

Online access for the most recent four issues, plus supplementary materials, is available to BDA members.

Join our vibrant community of biodynamic farmers and gardeners and enjoy immediate access.

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Education, Training and Apprenticeship Opportunities

The following is a list of organizations and on-going programs offering education and training in biodynamic agriculture and related topics. For up-to-date listings of events and workshops, visit our calendar of events. Information about other learning opportunities may also be available through regional biodynamic groups. Please email info@biodynamics.com to add your organization or program to this page. For other educational suggestions please see our page 8 Ways to Learn About Biodynamics.

Education Centers and Training Programs

United States

Angelic Organics Learning Center (Caledonia, IL) offers weekend workshops on food & farming, farm tours, family overnights and Stateline Farm Beginnings®, a farmer-led training and support program designed to help people plan and launch sustainable farm businesses. 815-389-8455 or www.learngrowconnect.org

Michael Fields Agriculture Institute (East Troy, WI) offers a CSA planning course and a series of whole farm workshops, including a one-day introduction to biodynamic agriculture. 262-642-3303 or www.michaelfields.org

North American Biodynamic Apprenticeship Program (United States and Canada), a program of the Biodynamic Association, offers a two-year certification in biodynamic agriculture. Participating apprentices complete 24 months of structured, on-farm training with one or more mentor farmers in the United States and Canada, and an intensive classroom study program covering principles and concepts of biodynamics. For more information and a listing of mentor farms, visit our NABDAP program page or call 262-649-9212 ext 5.

The Pfeiffer Center (Chestnut Ridge, NY) offers a one-year part-time introduction to biodynamics, consisting of eight weekend sessions and a final week-long intensive workshop taught by experienced biodynamic practitioners. A winter intensive course is offered annually in mid-January. Monthly workshops are available ranging from beekeeping, draft horses, seed saving, and other biodynamic based topics. A full-time 12-month internship program combines academic work with hands-on field experience. (845) 352-5020 ext 20www.pfeiffercenter.org

Rudolf Steiner College, A Center for Biodynamic Education (Fair Oaks, CA) offers a biodynamic farming and gardening workshop series, held one Saturday a month for 8 months (September through May, excluding February), followed by a week-long intensive in June. Classes in basic biodynamics, biodynamic beekeeping, nature perception and other related topics are also offered, as well as a biodynamic apprenticeship. 916-965-0389 or www.steinercollege.edu. (NABDAPmentor farm and classroom study program)

Elsewhere

Biodynamic Agricultural College (formerly Emerson College - United Kingdom), offers a distance learning course called Biodynamic Principles and Practice, which makes education in biodynamic agriculture available to students worldwide. www.bdacollege.org.uk

Biodynamic Education Centre (Australia and United Kingdom), an international college offering a range of educational programs for biodynamic farming and gardening. The courses offered by the Centre have been written and developed over many years of practical experience in the biodynamic method for both large-scale agricultural and smaller-scale gardening systems. Also offers a two-year correspondence course "Certificate Program." www.biodynamiceducation.com

Biodynamic Agricultural Association of Southern Africa (South Africa) offers a series of six workshops on the principles of biodynamic agriculture, as well as preparation making days and other events. www.bdaasa.org.za